Date:         Fri, 1 Jan 1999 11:04:26 -0700
Reply-To:     Kent Christensen <lkchris@USWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Kent Christensen <lkchris@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re. List Vendors, Ken Flaming
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

IMHO this list is over the top as regards commercial
advertising.

Having said that, I too appreciate Ron's and Ken's input,
but suggest it might best be provided as follows.

1.    Responding to technical questions--these guys
obviously have above average knowledge of Vanagons and their
needs and problems.  This will create good will and increase
my desire to do business with them.

2.    Responding when someone is indicating they're having
trouble finding a part and they have it or know who does or
know it's, for example, NLA.

3.    Occasionally (very) indicating there is something new
at their web site.  Hey, we all know the URLs for their
sites and are perfectly capable of checking them as we
wish--we do not need what seem like daily reminders.  I have
both sites bookmarked because I think they're good.

BTW (and this may be of limited relevance) I also monitor 3
BMW motorcycle lists, and Land Rover, Volvo and Mercedes
lists, and NONE of them have anything like Ken and Ron .
Yes, I really want to see the occasional "for sale by owner"
posts and even the "Sunday's want ads" posts, but I'd rather
use my bookmarks to go to commercial sites.

Finally I'd mention that one Land Rover parts source, Rovers
North, itself sponsors a bulletin board--they don't do much
more than have a link to their catalog there in terms of
advertising, but this might be a suggestion for Ron and Ken.